Systems for automatically removing fluid from multiple regions of a respiratory tract

Abstract

Systems and devices for monitoring, detecting, and removing fluid build-up found at various regions along a tracheal tube of an intubated patient. The fluid management system includes pressure and flow sensors for detecting whether there is fluid at the various regions along the tracheal tube, and a means for drawing out the fluid into collection jars. The system also includes lavage features that is able to rinse different the various regions along a tracheal tube. Also disclosed are respiration insertion devices that either couple to existing tracheal tubes or incorporate tracheal tubing, where the respiration insertion body has channels and ports that contact various regions along the tracheal tube. The combination of the fluid management system and the respiration insertion devices effectively monitor and remove fluid at various locations along a tracheal tube of an intubated patient.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A respiratory insertion device for use with an endotracheal tube to independently remove fluid from multiple regions of a respiratory tract, the device comprising:
 a sheath body having a longitudinal channel with a lateral opening extending proximally to distally wherein the longitudinal channel is configured to fit over the endotracheal tube; 
 a first lumen passing through the sheath proximally to distally, wherein the first lumen extends between a first proximal coupler and a first distal opening; 
 a second lumen passing through the sheath proximally to distally, wherein the second lumen extends between a second proximal coupler and a second distal opening; 
 a third lumen passing through the sheath proximally to distally, wherein the third lumen extends between a third proximal coupler and a third distal opening; 
 wherein, when the sheath body is coupled to the endotracheal tube, the first, second and third distal openings are configured to be positioned adjacent to the outside of the endotracheal tube so and are separated from each other by at least 0.4 inches. 
 
     
     
       2. The device of  claim 1 , further comprising a bite flange extending proud from a proximal end of the sheath body. 
     
     
       3. The device of  claim 1 , further comprising an extension extending distally from the sheath body, wherein the distal end region of the extension comprises a rounded foot. 
     
     
       4. The device of  claim 3 , wherein the extension is formed of a material that is softer than the sheath body. 
     
     
       5. The device of  claim 3 , wherein the extension comprises a curved channel that is continuous with the longitudinal channel of the sheath body. 
     
     
       6. The device of  claim 3 , further wherein the first distal opening is adjacent to a distal end of the sheath body, the second distal opening that is at a distal end region of the extension on the rounded foot, and the third distal opening is between the first distal opening and the second distal opening and faces laterally from the rounded foot of the extension. 
     
     
       7. The device of  claim 3 , further comprising a tongue protection flap extending laterally from the extension, wherein the tongue protection flap is adjacent to the third distal opening. 
     
     
       8. The device of  claim 1 , further comprising a first catheter enclosing the first lumen, a second catheter enclosing the second lumen and a third catheter enclosing the third lumen. 
     
     
       9. The device of  claim 1 , further comprising a fourth lumen that is parallel to the first lumen and passes through the sheath proximally to distally, wherein the fourth lumen extends between the first proximal coupler and a first distal opening that is adjacent to the distal end of the sheath body; a fifth lumen that is parallel to the second lumen and passes through the sheath proximally to distally, wherein the fifth lumen extends between the second proximal coupler and a fifth distal opening; and a sixth lumen that is parallel to the third lumen and passes through the sheath proximally to distally, wherein the sixth lumen extends between the third proximal coupler and a sixth distal opening that is between the fourth distal opening and the fifth distal opening. 
     
     
       10. A respiratory insertion device for use with an endotracheal tube to independently remove fluid from multiple regions of a respiratory tract, the device comprising:
 a sheath body having a longitudinal channel with a lateral opening extending proximally to distally wherein the longitudinal channel is configured to fit over the endotracheal tube; 
 an extension extending distally from a distal end of the sheath body; 
 a bite flange extending proud from a proximal end of the sheath body; 
 a first lumen passing through the sheath proximally to distally, wherein the first lumen extends between a first proximal coupler and a first distal opening that is adjacent to the distal end of the sheath body; 
 an second lumen passing through the sheath proximally to distally, wherein the second lumen extends between a second proximal coupler and a second distal opening that is at a distal end region of the extension; and 
 a third lumen passing through the sheath proximally to distally, wherein the third lumen extends between a third proximal coupler and a third distal opening that is between the first distal opening and the second distal opening; 
 wherein, when the sheath body is coupled to the endotracheal tube, the first, second and third distal openings are configured to be positioned adjacent to the outside of the endotracheal tube so and are separated from each other by at least 0.4 inches. 
 
     
     
       11. The device of  claim 10 , wherein the distal end region of the extension comprises a rounded foot. 
     
     
       12. The device of  claim 10 , wherein the extension comprises a material that is softer than the sheath body. 
     
     
       13. The device of  claim 10 , wherein the second distal opening is at a distal end region of the extension on the rounded foot. 
     
     
       14. The device of  claim 10 , wherein the third distal opening faces laterally from the rounded foot of the extension. 
     
     
       15. The device of  claim 10 , further comprising a tongue protection flap extending laterally from the extension that is adjacent to the third distal opening.